More than half of 10 to 14-year-olds suffering from stress

More than half of British 'tweens' are suffering from stress and anxiety, according to a new poll.

In a YouGov survey of ten to 14-year olds, 58 per cent of respondents admitted that they felt worried or stressed at least once a week, with school, family problems and bullying heading the list of reasons.

The poll, commissioned by the Big Lottery Fund to mark the launch of its new HeadStart initiative, also indicated that one in every six youngsters experiences anxious feelings every day.

According to metro.co.uk, nearly half of the children questioned said they were losing sleep because of stress, whilst more than one in ten said they were struggling to eat.

Speaking to sky.com, Big Lottery Fund director Dharmenda Kanani shared hopes that the HeadStart initiative could help these children.

He said: "For many young people, how they feel about themselves, their self-esteem, confidence or negative peer pressure can become deeply troubling, take root and lead to crime, self-harm or even suicide.

"But with the right support and access to help at this key transition stage of our lives, we aim to show that young people can be given a HeadStart to lead happier, more fulfilling lives."